Survey: Increasing Usage Of USB Drives Leaves Corporate Information At Risk

An online survey has found that USB flash drive ownership has exploded with 100 percent of the 229 respondents having at least one such device -- 54 percent possessing between 3 and 6 -- and more than 21 percent owning as many as 10 or more.

While good news for vendors of these must-have items, the news may not be so welcome for security and compliance teams tasked with protecting the sensitive data residing on these omnipresent devices. With more than 85 percent of respondents confirming that their company allows the use of these removable media devices (and with many of those working where USB drives are banned confirming that they use them anyway), it is very concerning that more than half of the respondents confirmed their USBs were not encrypted, leaving the corporate information on them completely vulnerable if borrowed, lost or stolen.

Conducted by CREDANT Technologies, the survey found that the majority of people (68 percent) share their USBs with family, colleagues or friends, often leaving any sensitive data exposed and in jeopardy. Fifty-two percent of the sample couldn’t even remember what they had saved on their device which is worrying as 20 percent never delete the corporate data stored, even when they no longer require it. Even more alarming is the fact that 34 percent admitting they don’t know, at any given time, where all their USB devices are.

Unsurprisingly some respondents (almost 10 percent) admitted they had lost a USB device containing corporate data, yet fully 76 percent never reported the loss to their bosses. If it were discovered that adequate measures had not been taken to protect sensitive information, for example securing the data with encryption technology, these companies could be deemed to have breached one or more of the many data protection laws and regulations in place internationally, subjecting them to potentially heavy fines, expensive breach notification costs and significant negative publicity.

“Companies are spending millions on their security and it could all be in vain if they fail to close this basic area of vulnerability,” said Bob Heard, CREDANT’s CEO and founder. “If they have a workforce that are using USB storage media, blissfully unaware of the potential mayhem that these ubiquitous devices could potentially cause, no matter how much is spent the enterprise will never be secure. These small USB sticks can be, and often are, easily lost or stolen, thus leaving data, and those responsible for protecting that data, vulnerable.”

Another discovery of the study is that the increasing use of USB flash drives is just the tip of the iceberg, as 37 percent of the sample admitted to synchronising their iPhones, smartphones and iPods with their work devices. This practice potentially exposes their companies to a multitude of data risks and network disasters.

“Many organisations are either failing to take the problem seriously or to implement and enforce the right security, work practices and education for their users to address this problem,” Heard said. “Unsecured data on removable media is a significant and growing concern and organizations need to start planning now on how to close this vulnerability before they suffer a very expensive, and embarrassing breach.”

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge. 3